Silverstein believes Shields is more of a $7-9 million-a-year player, but adds that using the franchise tag on Shields would give him and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, the impression that they view him as an $11 million a year player. This means that Shields could be targeting something close to $10 million annually in his next contract.

Another idea proposed by Silverstein is to hammer out a long-term deal with Shields and then use the transition tag on DL B.J. Raji. This designation would likely run the Packers $8 million, although it wouldn’t offer them any compensation if he were to sign a contract with another team and leave.

Silverstein expects the Packers to hold “in depth” meetings with both players’ agents at the NFL Scouting Combine this week.